Win, Lose or Die

[Connor Harrison]

Tyven Heavy Industries Headquarters
Tython, Tython System ​

So it seemed that, for now, tyranny had triumphed over good. Coruscant, the jewel of the galaxy, had fallen to the One Sith and the galaxy wasn’t the same. Fixx witnessed the devastation reaped upon his homeworld and saw many of the Republic soldiers and Jedi fall in trying to defend the planet.

After his transition to the Republic from operating in the shadows, he felt more alone than ever now and was ready to continue the fight against evil. While had hadn’t yet been involved with the wider Republic operations, he was active behind the scenes. He had met a number of important people who were starting to see what role Fixx could play in future.

One thought dominated his mind – Kayleigh Tyven; Republic pilot and bright spark in the sky. So soon after arriving to the Republic, he had met the girl and fallen for her. A dangerous admission for a man in his position, but there was no need to lie to himself. It was the first and last time he had seen her since Corsucant fell, and what else could he expect when it was also Kayleigh who lost her home to the Sith; the very ones they had talked about repelling over drinks.

How ironic that now they operated around the galaxy defending what systems and people they had left.

Taking a gamble, Fixx was en-route to the Deep Core world of Tython to see if she still active. He hadn’t got her out of his head, and he wanted to see her. After all, the more he thought about fighting for her and with her, the more he thought about how important she was with her bright smile, positive attitude and proud determination.

Coming through the mountainous terrain over blue lakes and old monuments of decades gone by, the transport was carrying a number of Republic crew and cargo into THI, so what better place to start than with her own company. The craft started to bank and descend, and Fixx looked out of the window at the impressive sight coming into view.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

"Miss Tyven, the shipment of titanium has arrived and is being unloaded for transport." Meredith had lost her family on Coruscant, like Kayleigh, and decided to keep the one remaining piece of her semi-normal life in tact by immigrating to Tython with the younger girl. Life is what you make of it, after all. And this old woman was far from being finished with hers.

With just a nod, the girl dropped down into the large, relaxing chair in the lobby just across from Meredith. The migration of an entire company, and its factories were an absolute nightmarish endeavor. She had nearly given up hope of it ever actually completing. Rubbing the bridge of her nose with her index finger and thumb to help alleviate the imaginary headache she was feeling, with her eyes closed uncaringly mumbled her response. "Tell them to split the shipment, send the first seven crates to divisions 6, 7 and 12. Send two more crates to division 3, and take the remaining five and ship them to div 9. And make sure someone informs them that they are coming so that they don't sit in storage containment waiting manifest approval this time."

The mother figure to Kayleigh let out a soft chuckle at the girl, understanding her frustration. "Right away." She placed the call, and Kayleigh rose from the chair to get some fresh air outside. Tython was a beautfiul planet, but it was not Coruscant. This would never truly be her home. Her memories drifted off to that planet, to happier times. Her family, the look of the beautiful cities and the life that was ever present throughout all parts of the world. She'd wondered what became of [member="Fixx Kearney"], having not seen him in some time with the chaos that ensued as the Sith took away what was most precious to her.

She stepped out in to the warm sunny day, greeting a passerby as they hurried away. Leaning against the lobby entrance to THI's new home, she dozed off in thought.

 

[Connor Harrison]

The transport came to a stop as it glided in to the makeshift clearing within the canyons and open plains that housed the sprawling, makeshift headquarters of THI. It was impressive; alive, functioning and real, showing that even in the face of adversity; the Republic still lived and breathed and survived.

Transports came and went from the rear of the large facility into the sky above, and people were busy out in the courtyard area; researches, pilots, technicians and soldiers; all part of the wider Faction and the business Kayleigh was running.

Fixx stepped out from the brown shuttle and looked around with a smile; she was doing well. Wearing a much casual navy short-sleeve polo shirt, khaki combat trousers and hiking boots for the terrain, Fixx adapted to the warm weather but also wore the insignia of the Republic with pride on his breast pocket. He brandished a small cut both under and above his right eye; shrapnel wasn’t always planned during training routines.

He casually walked with the crowd towards the entrance to the main reception, noting bodies outside in conversation, carrying cargo and just getting on with business. Stepping into the cool lobby, he walked to the main reception desk and pulled out a card from his back pocket, eyes scanning around as he placed it on the desk.

”Excuse me; Arlington Industries. I’m here to see Miss Kayleigh Tyven at her request.”

The agent didn’t know if she was even on Tython, but it was worth a try. He had to make sure she was ok at least before getting swept up in another operation.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

Puffing her cheeks as she exhaled a breath of silent frustration, she turned back to the arched entryway to THI, which bore her family's name and insignia. Pulling out her datapad to check out the remaining items on her agenda for the day she could suddenly feel the headache returning. "Dear God, this is never ending."

A. Redirect available personnel to TS SCI projects
B. Organize meeting for latest revisions to Revenant Class-B Armor
C. Disperse shipments of titanium
D. Fiscal budget preparations for new year
E. Reconvene division 2 for prototype testing of project Arctica
F. Begin R&D on project Kendall

Of the six items on her schedule for the day, only the easiest and least time consuming had been done. Where the hell does the time go these days? I'll be dead long before I ever get settled. As she headed back inside, still staring down at the datapad as she navigated around the other souls congregated within the main lobby she overheard a familiar sounding voice and the mention of... Arlington Industries? No way...

Her head propped up from the datapad as she looked towards where the speaker was standing. She froze in place, staring at the back of his head, her hands slightly trembling as she took another step forward, unsure of what to say. While the desk assistant fiddled with her comm and looked through the records to find an appointment or mention of the referenced company Kayleigh finally found the words to vocalize. With her soft toned voice she simply said, "You're late."

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

His right hand tapped away on the cool surface of the desk, watching the receptionist scout through names and records. Did this mean Kayleigh was on the planet? It must do if she was checking. About to speak up, Fixx was interrupted by a familiar voice, but one that was far more serious than he remembered.

Lifting his head, he looked to the side, and then let his body turn to find the speaker, and there she was. Still looking beautiful, but clearly drained with the weight of post-invasion stress on her shoulders. He gave her a half-smile, that soon broke into a full one at the relief seeing her alive and well after so long.

”Miss Tyven. Do accept my apologies. This job of mine, it can be murder on my schedules.”

He held out his hand; after all, this was the head of the business standing before him amidst all who looked up to her.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

Kayleigh shook his hand, simply out of necessity due to the circumstances of being in the middle of an open lobby with her employees all within clear view. "Times have indeed changed. Please, follow me, and we'll address the issue you were called here for."

She turned back to the admin at the desk and nodded, "Thank you, Kristen." The girl looked confused, she couldn't find any appointments on the book for this man, but she simply shrugged and went back to her routine. Ushering Fixx into the turbolift she leaned forward across from him and tapped the '4' while the doors slowly sealed shut. Immediately she turned and curled her arms around the back of his neck, resting her head against his shoulder as she did her best to hold back her own tears of both joy and sadness. She was overwhelmed that he was still alive and terribly saddened by the events that led to Coruscant's fall. "How are you?" Was all she managed to get out before stifling a sob.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

The girls eyes started to cloud over, a sign that memories had come flooded back in an instant. With a smile of thanks to the receptionist – Kirsten – Fixx followed Kayleigh through the open planned lobby and to the set of turbolifts, entering one and waiting for the doors to close.

Immediately, she fell into him and needed comfort. Fixx kissed the top of her head and wrapped his arms around her; comforting and protective.

”Ssh ssh, I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m just glad you are, but I knew you would be.”

Truthfully, he didn’t. He’d seen allies fall which was why he wouldn’t let anyone get close. It still wasn’t too late to save her from more unnecessary heartache. He let her feel safe for the ride up in quiet, and as it came to a steady stop, he gently pulled her back and wiped his thumbs under her eyes, wiping away the thin veil of tears that had come down.

As the door chimed open, he placed his arm around her waist to guide her forward, and followed her to her office. He took in the layout of the floor and noticed it was sparse with decoration and only held the basics – chairs, fauna and pictures of Republic ships on the wall. A large painting of Coruscant hung on the far wall opposite the large window overlooking the courtyard as she led him across the floor.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

As she entered her office with Fixx behind, Kayleigh pressed her eyelids closed tightly to try and seal off the well that had been filling only a moment ago. She was a full grown woman, an officer of the Republic's navy, and a company exec, she needed to compose herself a bit better than that of a small child.

"I'm sorry." She said as she turned back around, closing the door lightly behind them, gesturing to the sofa nearby her desk for him to sit at, as she took up the space adjacent to him. "You came all this way, and the first thing I say to you is you're late...I must sound like a real jerk. I've missed you. Things have...been difficult. But I am so relieved you are here, and that you are Ok."

Leaning once again against his shoulder she sighed, a release of tension that had been building for months was a welcome change for her. At least something was still right in the galaxy.

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Fixx took a seat as she indicated, taking in the very busy office where she obviously worked even harder behind closed doors when she wasn't getting hands dirty in droids and engines.

Sitting back with a sigh, he cradled her in his arm and let her put as much weight on him as she needed to let the worry out. Leaning his head on hers with a soft kiss, Fixx couldn't help smile at her self put-down.

"I think I'm weeks too late," he spoke softly, "so no talk of you being a jerk, ok? I've missed you - too much in fact, and I've been worried about you since Coruscant fell."

His eyes rose to the oval window at the head of her office, behind the desk, and watched the cloudy sky roll past. He shouldn't have really mentioned Coruscant; it just came out, and it brought it all back. What they were fighting for, what enemy they were up against, and what sacrifices they had made. His thumb stroked her arm as he gently inhaled her scent and felt like time had stopped finally for him.

"I've missed you," was all he could utter.

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

The closeness was the most comforting thing she had felt since arriving on Tython. Her company was still regaining its composure, and she was still partially in denial about the entire thing. If she admitted it, she felt that she would lose her sanity. It was too much to concentrate on, so she chose to simply block it out, right up until the moment that [member="Fixx Kearney"] made mention of it. Since Coruscant fell. Those three words were all she needed to hear to bring back the haunting nightmares of that day.

Unintentionally she started to pound her fists in a mildly uncontrolled manner against his chest and shoulder, sobbing as she repeated herself a few times. "I hate them! I hate them! I hate them! I will kill every last one of them!" She had finally cracked. The world around her fell apart, and the happy cheery girl that he knew back on Coruscant faded away with the memories, giving way to a broken, defeated girl that simply needed the individual pieces of her life puzzle put back in their places. She heard him address his concern and his missing her twice, and she desperately wanted to tell him that she felt the same, very much so, but she simply couldn't formulate the words. Opting instead to slowly reduce her strikes on his shoulders and chest until they were nothing more than pats and brushes against him. She felt terrible for hitting him, she didn't mean to, but she lost control. What else could she do?

 

[Connor Harrison]

He felt the girl collapse under him, and with her muted sobs, her fists hit out and into his chest, shoulders and side. Fixx had seen this reaction before and knew how to deal with it. You just let them get it out of their system. Holding her tight enough to restrain her but not control her, Fixx sighed and focused out of the window as she hit him and sobbed, quiet rasps of anger and frustration.

Swallowing tightly, he let her vent until she gave way to patting him rather than hitting him, and gave her a minute to compose herself. It was a nice, healthy reaction and it could have been far worse. It probably would have been if she didn't have anyone to help her.

"We will make them pay for what they did. One day."

The battle would be raging on long after they had died, it had been raging for millennia, and the players would change over time along with the methods used, but it would always be there. However, they could make a difference and play an important part to save and protect those they lived and served for.

Fixx knew the best thing he could do was to hold her and reassure the fragile spirit that he would be there for her and care for her. It had been a good number of weeks, maybe even over a month since he had seen her. With Coruscant under invasion, time had been irrelevant, but now it was time to make everything ok again.

"I promise you."

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

It took time for Kayleigh to calm down. She had hoped she did not hurt Fixx with her tantrum. It was very unlike her, but then again, she had never experienced such a devastating tragedy before, so she had no frame of reference to fall back on. Going forward she would not be taken by surprise so easily. Nuzzling against his chest she whispered her apology, the last of her tears being swept up by the the back of her hand. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Fixx. I just have no idea what to do, but I am trying...I'm...Trying to my best to figure this all out. I promise I'm not always this crazy."

She sat herself upright and looked over at him, the small bit of mascara and eyeliner making their presence known in small, wet streaks along the sides of her face. How attractive that must look. "Where did you find yourself after Coruscant? So many people never made it out, it was a massive undertaking to secretly move our headquarters back into Republic space. We lost many of our designs and some of our engineers in the scuffle."

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Well, she was human. That was all Fixx saw in her. Humanity. That was something the Sith didn't have much of, and the reason why they would never totally achieve their goal of galactic domination. As she pulled back, Fixx cupped her mascara streaked face in his hands and kissed her gently on the forehead, leaving his lips there for a second, careful not to make her feel uncomfortable in her moment of upset.

"In the grand scheme of things, I've not known you long, but what I DO know is that you're a fighter. A survivor. We are lucky to have someone with your passion and dedication; your strength and bravery. It's so wonderful, Kayleigh."

He reached down and laced his fingers through hers, bringing them to his lips and kissing them, holding them against his cheek and savouring being with her.

"I wasn't on Coruscant when it happened. I was out in the Outer Rim on a planet called Khubeaie in the Arkanis system. Have you heard of it? We had intel that smugglers were selling Republic secrets to those passing by on the Corellian Run. It sort of proved useless when the Sith attacked the very world I was out trying to protect."

With a surrendering laugh, he shrugged slightly.

"Then it was all units back to Coruscant, but it was too late. Chaos. I moved out with a fleet and stayed out of contact until it was safe to move. There's a saying I picked up with the unit; win, lose or die. We didn't we. We lost. But we didn't die. That's one thing I choose not to do, and the Republic won't either. One day, we will win, they will lose and they will die."

Moving forward on the sofa, he indicated to the window with his finger.

"I am very impressed with your business by the way. This is something special. This is why the heart of the Republic won't stop beating; because of people like you."

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

Lifting her hands to meet his along the sides of her cheeks, she tilted her head upwards and kissed him, her breath escaping through her lips as they shook under the feeling of her attraction towards him.

In a way Kayleigh was glad that Fixx wasn't on Coruscant when things went to hell. It wasn't a pretty scene. Out of nowwhere the Sith struck, thousands upon thousands of troops and starships descending upon the Republic's iconic planet. Millions of inhabitants were displaced or killed in the skirmish. Countless businesses, shipyards, and manufacturing planets obliterated. "You were one of the lucky few, then. Sometimes I wish I wasn't around for it."

She glanced around the room and out through the large window. "Well, thanks! It's nothing major, but we'll make due with what we have. Afterall, what else can we do?"

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

His eyes closed and he lost himself in the breathless kiss that came from her, so tender and loving. As she parted, he moved forward on the sofa and hugged her, reassuringly rubbing her back; comforting and protective. He may have to turn off his emotion in the line of duty, but he was a human and cared for this girl greatly.

”I wasn’t lucky, because I was useless to help you and I regret that.”

Fixx sat back, taking her hands in his and squeezing them, smiling as he stood up and strolled to the window looking out over her mini-empire. It was a way to break the air of sadness, to change their direction from the fall of Coruscant.

Sticking his hands in his pockets, he perched on the end of her large desk next to a pile of paperwork and watched the bodies below moving, carrying, talking, driving – keeping the Republic alive.

”You’re doing the best you can do; you’re doing what the Republic hired you to do. You’re surviving. You’re winning your battle to overcome, to improvise and adapt to this galaxy.”

He turned and gave her a wink.

”And we can do so much more if we wanted to. Any crack in the Sith forces we find, we strike. I’m standing with you on this one.”

Fixx looked back outside, glancing down at his wrist com; no messages. He folded his arms with a content sigh.

”So what’s your next assignment? Paperwork or carrying boxes?”

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

Kayleigh watched as Fixx wandered over to her desk and looked out, her hand lightly stroking the back of her neck as she looked down at the datapad in her pocket. Removing it she looked at her duties for the afternoon.

"Well, I have to re-assign some roles in our SCI departments to cover a couple of projects that will be ramping up, go over our fiscal budget, annnnnd begin testing of our latest Revanent class armor before putting the prototype into production."

She tapped her fingers on her knee as she swung her feet lazily back and forth, hovering over the floor on the sofa. "Though I have some time. Perhaps you'd like to go for a walk somewhere?"

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Fixx turned and smiled, getting up and walking over to Kayleigh, holding out his hand.

”I’d love to. And if you use me well and you need a hand with anything, I’ll get my hands dirty before I go."

Even the thought of going made his heart drop a little. Some ruthless agent he was when a girl like Kayleigh reduced you to mush. Squeezing her hand, seeing that warm smile, he led her back to the turbolift, still waiting for them and he stepped in, hitting the ground floor call button with a chime. As the lift started down, Fixx pulled her hips into his and kissed her softly.

The chime sounded, and both professionals emerged composed and smiling.

”I’ve never been to Tython before, but it looks a stunning place."

Leading Kayleigh out, holding the door for her, the two stepped into the cool outside amidst the gentle hustle and bustle. Shuttles were leaving and arriving and there was a general aura of camaraderie and eagerness. Checking his data-pad, Fixx smacked his lips. Nothing.

”So come, Miss Tyven. Where’s a nice place to discuss Republic goings on around Tython?"

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

Stepping out from the lobby Kayleigh smiled at Fixx. "We haven't been here long, a few weeks at most. We were fortunate that there were a number of plants that fit our needs, and the workers were quick to get things situated."

She waved her hand around towards the vastly growing trees and ponds as they walked along the road. "Much of Tython is still uninhabited, and some of it is fairly dangerous. But it is a beautiful, secluded planet. I chose not to bring us to another heavily populated world for fear that the Sith may strike again. This planet is beautiful, serene, and for the most part, quiet. It suits our needs well and is pleasant to look at."

Kayleigh walked with Fixx to a waterfall about 15 or so minutes from her complex. Kneeling next to the rushing waves as it poured endlessly over into the lagoon 15 or so meters below, she gestured toward the rapids. "See? Beauty can be found all around Tython. It is truly magnificent."

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Walking beside Kayleigh, Fixx watched the planet steadily pass by as they walked, and noted how passionate she was about surviving, whether she knew it or not. For some reason, he didn't think this would be a target for the Sith anytime soon - it was too quiet and devoid of the kind of bustling nexus they preyed on.

Coming to the mighty waterfall, Fixx gave a whistle and stood back in awe to see something so natural look so powerful. This what the Republic was about; a powerful and awesome force that would never stop no matter how hard you tried.

"Ok this is impressive."

He nearly commented about the beauty of a planet like Tython compared to a busy one like Coruscant, a durasteel jungle...but now wasn't the time, and his heart skipped a beat thinking about what had brought them here in the first place.

Fixx knelt down beside Kayleigh and dipped his hand in the warm water, letting it flow through his fingers and over his wrist towards the rapids and into the lagoon.

"You're right about beauty. It's right here beside me."

Looking up at her, he gave a small smile and went back to admiring the rapids under his hand and chuckled.

"I should have brought a picnic. I'll remember this place, for sure."

[member="Kayleigh Tyven"]

 

[Mariya Pyne]

[member="Fixx Kearney"]

Kayleigh stretched out her legs in front of her and sat back against the palms of her hands on the soft, plentiful grass. "There are many sights like this on Tython that are simply picturesque."

Looking up to the sky, her hair draped down behind her back as it waved slightly with the breeze. "Since coming here, I've wondered about simply dropping off the grid, living in some small village here and enjoying a simpler life. Unfortunately I am constantly reminded of the evil in this galaxy, and it draws me back to my senses and loyalty to the Republic and her people. But there's always that small chance, that small glimpse into a world of simplistic living that captivates me."

She let out a soft laugh, "Of course, I have no idea what I'd do with my time, if I am not getting down in the nitty gritty of ship and weaponry mechanics."